Work

Effects of thermal treatment on micro-Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells prepared by one-stage selenization of sputter Cu–In–Ga precursor

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Micro-concentrator photovoltaics combine sub-millimeter scale solar cells with optical concentrator systems, enabling higher power conversion efficiencies, material savings, and improved heat management. In this work, we investigated the effects of thermal treatment of Cu–In–Ga precursors on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 micro solar cells. The devices were fabricated by sputtering a Cu–In–Ga precursor onto a soda-lime glass/SiO x N y /Mo/SiO x pre-structured substrate with micro-holes of 200 and 250 µm diameter, defined by photolithography. The precursor undergoes thermal treatment at 450 °C, followed by selenization at 480 °C. The treated Cu–In–Ga exhibited a smoother surface, with indistinct grains, compared to the as-deposited film. However, areas of exposed Mo were observed upon treatment. After selenization, the treated micro-absorber exhibited improved elemental composition with Cu to (Ga + In) ratio of 0.81 ± 0.06, compared to 0.76 ± 0.13 for the untreated micro-absorber. Electrical characterization of the devices revealed better overall performance for the treated Cu(In,Ga)Se2 micro solar cells, with an average V oc of (239 ± 26) mV, significantly higher than the (176 ± 25) mV achieved by untreated micro cells.

Source: Journal of Physics Energy

DOI: 10.1088/2515-7655/ae020e

Authors: Marina Alves, Ricardo G Poeira, Phillip J Dale, Joaquim O Carneiro, Sascha Sadewasser

Institutions: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Centro de Física das Universidades do Minho e do Porto, University of Luxembourg

Language: English

Topic: Chalcogenide Semiconductor Thin Films

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,900